First Step...Getting Organized

So, you want to learn Astrology...

The study of Astrology is an all encompassing
one and can get very hectic and overwhelming at times. In order
to keep yourself on the right track here are some tips to help
you along your way.

The first thing I did before beginning my studies was read, read, read!
I looked for everything I could get my hands on (and understand).
I found the Mountain Astrologer and read through it cover to
cover, not understanding much, but finding it thoroughly
enjoyable, giving me the thirst to learn more. I then picked up a
few general books on the subject that I think would be excellent
for any beginner: The Only Way to Learn Astrology by
Marion March and Joan McEvers, Astrology for Yourself by
Demetra George and Douglas Bloch, and The Inner Sky by
Steven Forrest. Another Fascinating book gives us an idea of the
Mythos behind the signs, where they come from and why they mean
what they do. This book is called Archetypes of The Zodiac
by Kathleen Burt. I'll discuss more advanced books later. NOTE:
Clicking on any of the linked books will take you straight to my
Bookstore where you can easily purchase them through my
association with Amazon.com.

So now that you have done some reading you say you want to go on?
The next thing you may want to do is check out some of the
online/correspondence schools of astrology. Canopus Academy is my
pick, but everyone needs to look for something that will suit
their own needs. Check out some online sites for Schools of
Astrology. There are also Professional Astrologers who take on
students privately for teaching and mentoring. Below are some
tips on searching for a school that will suit your needs:

First decide what you want from your Astrology
education. Do you want to become professional? Are you
interested in it as a hobby? Different schools are geared
towards different levels of learning.

Check out each school. Write down what you like about
each and what you don't like. This way you can do a pro
and con analysis to make your final decision. See what
each school offers. Do they have online tutorials? Are
the lessons planned out in a way for step by step ease of
understanding? Are the teachers well qualified? Is there
Homework? There should be lots of it as practice is the
only way to learn.

Write or e-mail The Principal or Director of each
school. Is she or he eager to answer your questions? Does
this seem like somebody who knows what he/she is talking
about? Are they flexible in meeting your special needs?

Here is an all-important part of your
decision...money. How much is the course? Are there
flexible methods of payment? Do they take Credit cards?
Is the entire fee expected up front? Just remember one
thing, however, you get what you pay for and sometimes it
is worth spending a little extra money to get the best
all around education!

Just like Attending any other school you have
to get organized. I bought 2 large looseleaf binders. In one I
have all of my printed lessons, homework, and logs of tutorial
sessions. In the other I keep a KEYWORD book, any articles of
interest pertaining to my studies, and tidbits of information
found online or in one of my e-mail lists. Be forewarned, this
book can become huge, so either keep a seperate Keyword book (A
good idea) or get yourself one of those 3" Binders. I will
be starting on my second 3" binder shortly. I like the
looseleaf style books as I can easily take things out and put
them back and arrange them the way I like.

Keep a list of sources and resources. I printed
out a list of Astrology Sites that have helped me along the way
and these are included in my Links Page. Join an online mailing list. Be careful, at first you will probably not understand
most of what the lovely people on these lists are discussing, but
one day you will and in the meantime there is a wealth of
education there...along with some Humor that can really make your
day sometimes <grin>. Also, be careful because these lists
tend to produce a lot of mail which I still haven't found time to
read all of.

Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. We can get
so caught up in learning Astrology that it takes over our lives.
DON'T LET IT!!! have a life, if you live, eat and breath
Astrology every minute you will soon get overwhelmed or burned
out. Take it nice and steady and remember to give yourself
"Mental Fitness days" where you just put the astrology
books away and go party! If you have a family don't forget about
them...your tutors will understand and you can work at your own
pace.

As you get further into your studies you will
find yourself wanting to add more and more books to your library.
One word of warning...books are addictive <g>. I use many
of the Books I have gathered as reference material. I will read
up on what I am studying or on a chart I am working on and use
them to stimulate my intuition and knowledge. Below you will find
a list of the books currently in my Astrology Library. All of
them are available for purchase right here through association
with Amazon.com. It's simple, just click on a book and it will
take you directly to that book on Amazon's site. Hit your back
button to return here to pick another book...that's all there is
to it!

Starfire's Astrology Library

Archetypes of The Zodiac by
Kathleen Burt

The Inner Sky by
Steven Forrest

Astrology For Yourself
by Demetra George and Douglas Bloch

The American Ephemeris at Midnight Michelson

The Only Way to Learn Astrology
Volume I by Marion March and Joan McEvers

The Only Way to Learn Astrology
Volume II By Marion March and Joan McEvers

The Only Way to Learn Astrology
Volume III by Marion March and Joan McEvers